The Prime Minister will hold a press conference in response to
the situation in the Middle East today [Monday 16 March].
He will update on how the government is protecting working people
in Britain from its impact.
As with every decision he makes, he will be clear that he will
put working people first and protect them against the challenges
that lie ahead.
He is expected to say:
“It's moments like this that tell you what a government is
about.
“My answer is clear. Whatever challenges lie ahead, this
government will always support working people.
“That is my first instinct – my first priority – to help you
with the cost of living through this crisis.”
The Prime Minister will set out plans to help people using
heating oil to warm their homes.
He will also raise concerns about claims of suppliers cancelling
orders and jacking up prices.
He will say:
“I will not tolerate companies trying to exploit this crisis
to make money from working people.
“…if the companies have broken the law, there will be legal
action.”
This follows a visit to Northern Ireland last week, where around
60% of households use heating oil and have seen a sharp rise in
prices since the start of the war.
The Prime Minister has acted in the national interest at every
turn and is working with international allies towards a swift
resolution to this war, which is the quickest way to stop it
impacting working people. On this, he is set to say:
“We will continue to work towards a swift resolution of the
situation in the Middle East.
“Because there is no question that ending the war is the quickest
way to reduce the cost of living.”
Decisions made since entering Government have put the country in
a strong position to face down these global headwinds:
- A strong economy with lower interest rates and lower
inflation – as set out in the Chancellor's Spring Statement
- The biggest uplift in defence spending since the cold war
- Investing record amounts in clean British power to boost our
energy security
- Reforming planning and making it easier to build and
investing in Sizewell C
- Cutting energy bills by £117 – a price that is locked in
until the end of June
